Overview
Without the interest drawn by Tesla models or the popular branding of the Mustang Mach-E, the 2022 Kia Niro EV struggles to stand out. While Kia’s subcompact crossover is handsome enough, it can’t match the cachet of those snazzier alternatives. Still, the Niro EV boasts the same practical elements that define its hybrid and plug-in-hybrid counterparts, which we review separately. The electric model has an estimated EPA range of 239 miles, and we went 210 miles on a full charge on the highway. While that’s still not quite as far as rangier rivals, it’s notable, nonetheless. We wish the Niro’s cabin was less plasticky, and it’s not sold in all 50 states. Still, it hits enough high notes to deserve attention alongside the top nonluxury EVs in this burgeoning segment.
What’s New for 2022?
The 2022 Niro EV receives a handful of minor changes. It now wears Kia’s newly designed badge and adds more standard features. The latter includes a 10.3-inch touchscreen that replaces the previous 8.0-inch base unit; it also comes with built-in navigation, a Harman/Kardon audio system, and SiriusXM satellite radio.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We’d recommend the base EX trim level, which comes well equipped and costs significantly less than the EX Premium. Its standout standard features include heated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and driver assists such as automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. We’d only add the Cold Weather package (heated steering wheel, battery heater, and–most notably–a heat pump, which is a more efficient way of heating the car’s cabin that also improves driving range in cold weather). The 2022 Niro EV still qualifies for a $7500 federal tax credit, but Kia only sells the SUV in certain states.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Niro EV is powered by a single electric motor that produces 201 horsepower, which is sent through the front wheels by a one-speed direct-drive transmission. The Niro EV puts up a brisk 60-mph time of 6.2 seconds, which is quicker than the Chevy Bolt EV and the Hyundai Kona Electric. It is possible to drive the Niro EV with just one pedal thanks to regenerative braking, which recharges the car as you brake. We like that there are four levels of regeneration that can be toggled between using the steering-wheel-mounted paddles. Its brake pedal also feels more linear than alternatives such as the VW ID.4. The Niro EV offers a more refined ride than its competition; wind and road noise are far less noticeable than in the Bolt EV, Kona Electric, or Tesla Model Y.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The 64.0-kWh battery capacity of the Niro EV is right in line with the rest of the segment, besting the Nissan Leaf’s capacity, matching the Kona EV, and falling just short of the Bolt EV. That battery gives the Niro EV an estimated range of 239 miles, about average among the competition. The crossover can be recharged using either a 120- or 240-volt connection, but the two connections offer drastically different charge times. The 240-volt connection is said to fully charge the battery in about nine hours. For those who can’t wait that long, its standard DC fast-charge capability can provide an 80 percent charge in an hour with a 100-kW connection.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Kia Niro EV we tested traveled 210 miles on a full charge on our 75-mph highway route—part of our extensive testing regimen—and that figure is only 29 miles shy of its 239-mile EPA estimate. For more information about the Niro EV’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Niro EV comes well equipped even in the base EX trim, which has standard power front seats, heated front seats, and a 7.0-inch digital driver display. Upgrading to the EX Premium trim adds on features like ventilated front seats, a power sunroof, and wireless charging. Unfortunately, both trim levels suffer from an excess of black plastic throughout the interior that isn’t pleasant to look at or touch. The Niro EV also has an intuitive two-zone automatic climate control system with an option to turn off the passenger’s climate control if the seat is empty to save energy. This helps the EV maximize efficiency and allows for more of the battery to be used toward driving range. We were able to fit six carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats. The rear seats don’t fold flat, but when they were down we were able to fit 18 carry-ons behind the front seats. Fitting passengers behind the front seats is not ideal–the rear floor is raised to make room for the battery, and it creates a tight fit for rear seat passengers.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The standard infotainment system in the Niro EV EX is a prominent 10.3-inch touchscreen. Along with useful volume and tuning knobs, the interface also includes SiriusXM satellite radio (a subscription is required after the three-month trial period) and a voice-activated navigation system. Both setups have Bluetooth connectivity and support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Niro EV comes standard with all of Kia’s driver-assistance technology. For more information about the Niro EV’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Kia, along with corporate sibling Hyundai, offers some of the most complete and thorough warranty coverages available to car shoppers. The main selling point is the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, but the limited and hybrid/EV component warranties also beat what Chevrolet offers on the Bolt and what Nissan offers on the Leaf.
- Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Hybrid components are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
